Sunday

RAYNHAM — According to cosmetologist Maria O’Malley, an increasing number of women around the country are undergoing a procedure that is known as “microblading.”

At Royal Flesh Studios LLC, a beauty salon that officially opened its doors in Raynham last week, microblading is one of the main services provided at the hands of founder and owner O’Malley.

Although the name may sound daunting, microblading refers to the tattooing process of applying permanent makeup, as eyeliner, which O’Malley said has grown in popularity over the years.

“We’re enhancing, not altering,” she said.

“People love the idea and don’t know what to expect until they come in.”

O’Malley, who is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals, said that Royal Flesh opened after more than a year “in the works,” including training.

Along with fellow employee and Raynham resident Mary Bartolomeu, O’Malley is also a certified micropigmentologist and holds certifications in blood-borne pathogen safety and first aid.

“My mother grew up in the industry, and it has always been my ‘thing’ that I did with her,” she said.

Aside from serving as a means of augmenting one’s most defining facial features through the aging process, microblading — which has style variants including “ombre,” tapping, and shading — has a variety of other uses for younger women as well, O’Malley said.

At Royal Flesh, O'Malley and Bartolomeu use a Nouveau Contour micropigmentation device.

O’Malley explained that permanent makeup allows for women to remove one of the most time-consuming parts of their day.

“When I was diagnosed with arthritis, it was difficult for me to do my daily activities, including my makeup in the morning. ... It gave me my confidence back,” she said.

In addition, O’Malley said, Royal Flesh also conducts areola reconstruction for women who have undergone breast removal surgery as a result of breast cancer diagnoses.

“It’s not a regular procedure, but we’re looking to expand it, for sure. It will take some time, though,” she said.

“More women are now having to have mastectomies,” said Bartolomeu, a skin care specialist and aesthetician.

“(Areola reconstruction) is something that’s very uplifting after (undergoing) that process.”

According to employee Lisa Dominico, the entire microblading process takes under two hours, on average, while the tattooing itself only lasts for around 45 minutes and involves a numbing agent.

“It was scary at first. I didn’t know what to expect,” said Dominico, who received an eyebrow shading procedure.

“They really take their time, they made me feel completely comfortable.”

While eyebrow shading and eyeliner are most popular, other forms of permanent makeup can be drawn around the lips and on fading patches of skin.

Beforehand, customers must schedule a one-on-one consultation meeting with their chosen artist, where the two discuss the details of the tattoo and a temporary one is also drawn on.

According to O’Malley, the price of the procedure varies from customer-to-customer, but averages anywhere from $400 to $600, including a follow-up appointment four to eight weeks later.

“We use only the highest quality single-use instruments and also high-quality pigments,” she said.

O’Malley said the ink fades slightly over time and the procedure requires periodic maintenance every 18 months in the form of touch-ups. As with all tattoos, the permanent makeup does carry its risks.

“Cleanliness is important,” she said.

“Above all — make sure that the person you see is licensed.”

Microblading is not the only modernized salon service offered by the small team of licensed professionals at Royal Flesh.

In one dimly lit room, fitted with aesthetically calming décor, Bartolomeu said that she and another employee Bridget Rau, carry out sessions of Reiki, which is a spiritual form of alternative medicine developed nearly 100 years ago.

With cold red light laser and radio frequency treatment, customers can also receive a “laser transformation,” which Bartolomeu said is used to reduce acne, address hyper-pigmentation of the skin, or remove “stubborn fat,” as a non-intrusive form of liposuction.

“Everyone is nice and welcoming here, and they did an excellent job on my facial,” said Danielle, a customer from Bridgewater.

The procedure is a permanent, safe alternative to Botox and other injectables, with few side effects, Bartolomeu said, and the laser is able to penetrate up to 3 centimeters under the skin, reaching the deepest layers.

“We’re just trying to make everyone the best that they can be,” she said.

“It’s great to see people out there doing something that makes them happy.”

For the future of the business, O’Malley said that she is excited to not only provide trustworthy service to her clients, but also to help them to both realize and bring out their beauty to the fullest.

“The whole point of what we do is to help you better yourself, both inside and out.”

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